christ church

We Value Your Children Liturgical worship is child friendly: repitition, movement, and engagement of all your senses. We also provide nursery care (0-4 yrs) during the service. Check-in begins 15 minutes before each service. You will receive a sticker with a code that matches the code on your child’s name tag. If you have a child in diapers, please leave all the necessary supplies with our nursery care providers.

Concerning the Service The Good Friday is the second part of the Triduum (the sacred three days). This most solemn of all days is appropriately marked by , abstinence, and penitence, leading us to focus on Jesus and the meaning of his cross. Some churches do not use musical instruments or bells on this day. The church is often darkened. The bare, stark appearance of the church serves as a reminder of the solemnity and the sorrow of the day. The Lord of Life was rejected, mocked, scourged, and then put to death on the cross. The faithful are reminded of the role which their own sin played in this suffering and agony, as Christ took all sin upon himself, in obedience to his Father’s will. By the cross we are redeemed, set free from bondage to sin and death. The cross is a sign of God’s never-ending love for us. It is a sign of life, in the midst of death.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion All baptized Christians who come with faith in Christ and genuine repentance for sin are welcomed at the Lord’s Table. Any person who has doubts about his or her preparedness to receive the Sacra- ment is urged to seek godly advice and direction as soon as is possible. If you do not wish to drink from the common cup, please feel free to receive the bread only. Simply cross your hands over your chest when you pass the bearer by to indicate you do not wish to receive the wine. The an- cient Christian teaching is that the full grace of the Sacrament is received whether one receives only the consecrated bread or both bread and wine. If you are not receiving Holy Communion today you are still invited to come forward to receive a blessing. When you come forward, if you are not receiving the sacrament, please indicate this by crossing your arms in front of your chest. If you prefer you may remain in your pew and offer a prayer such as those provided in the back of this booklet for those who are not receiving the Sacra- ment. During the distribution of Holy Communion we also encourage those who desire special prayer for healing or other needs to pray with our prayer team.

IN REVERENCE TO GOD, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES. THANK YOU! good friday

On this day the ministers enter in silence. All then kneel for silent prayer. The Celebrant rises and prays Celebrant Blessed be our God. People For ever and ever. Amen. Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Old Testament Lesson A reading from Isaiah 52:13-53:12 After the Reading Reader The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God.

Psalm 22:121 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest.

Yet you are the Holy One, enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Our forefathers put their trust in you; they trusted, and you delivered them.

1 They cried out to you and were delivered; they trusted in you and were not put to shame.

But as for me, I am a worm and no man, scorned by all and despised by the people.

All who see me laugh me to scorn; they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,

“He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, if he delights in him.”

Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, and kept me safe upon my mother’s breast.

I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; you were my God when I was still in my mother’s womb.

Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.

Man young bulls encircle me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me.

They open wide their jaws at me, like a ravening and a roaring lion.

I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; my heart within my breast is melting wax.

My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.

Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.

2 Be not far away, O LORD; you are my strength; hasten to help me.

Save me from the sword, my life from the power of the dog.

Save me from the lion’s mouth, my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.

I will declare your Name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

On this day the is omitted at the conclusion of the Psalm.

The Lesson Reader A reading from Hebrews 10:1625 After the Reading Reader The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God!

Hymn The Passion Gospeller The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 18:1-19:42 The congregation may be seated for the first part of the Passion. At the verse which mentions the arrival at Golgotha (John 19:17) all stand.

The Homily

Hymn The Solemn All standing, the Celebrant says Dear People of God: Our heavenly Father sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved; that all who believe in him might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and become heirs with him of everlasting life.

We pray, therefore, for people everywhere according to their needs. The biddings may be read by a or other person appointed. The Celebrant says the Collects. Deacon Let us pray for the holy Church throughout the world: that the Lord our God may preserve her in unity, peace, and safety, bringing into divine subjection all powers and principalities; and that he may grant us to dwell in such peace and 3 tranquility that we may show forth the glory of God. Silence Celebrant Almighty Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for N. our and for N. our Archbishop: that the Lord our God, who has appointed them to this office, may preserve them in health and safety for the governance of God’s holy people. Silence Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, whose judgment upholds all things both in heaven and on earth: as you have appointed these your servants to be our , so also defend them by your mercy against all adversities; that we, acknowledging you as the great Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, may so prosper by their care that we may bring forth the fruit of righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen . Deacon Let us pray for all Bishops, , and ; and for all God’s holy People. Silence Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for N. our President, and for all in Civil Authority; that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek God’s honor and glory: and that we, remembering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honor them in accordance with your holy Word. Silence Celebrant Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and whose power is infinite: We commend our nation to your merciful care, that being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to our President, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for those who are preparing for Holy Baptism: that the Lord our God may open their hearts to his grace and mercy; that by the washing of regeneration they may obtain the remission of all their sins, and be found faithful servants of 4 our Lord Jesus Christ. Silence Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, you multiply your Church in every generation: Grant the gifts of faith and understanding to those being instructed in your holy Word; that being washed in the waters of baptism, they may be born again and numbered among your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us pray to God the Father Almighty, that he would cleanse the world from all evil; deliver it from pestilence and famine; set free those who are in captivity; restore the sick to health; and bring those who travel to a haven of safety. Silence Celebrant Gracious God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer: Let the cry of those in misery and need come to you, that they may find your mercy present with them in all their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for all who are in heresy or schism: that the Lord our God may deliver them from all false doctrines, and restore them to the faith and unity of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church. Silence Celebrant O God of truth and love, who desires not the death of sinners but rather that they should turn from their wickedness and live: Look with mercy on those who are deceived by the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil; that the hearts of those who have gone astray may be restored to wisdom and return to the way of truth in the unity of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for the Jewish people: that the Lord our God may look graciously upon them and that they may come to full knowledge of Jesus as Messiah and Lord of all. Silence Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, you established your covenant with Abraham and his seed: Hear the prayers of your Church, that the chosen people through whom you brought salvation to the world may also share in the fullness of redemption, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us pray for all those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Holy Spirit may fill them and bring them into the way of salvation. Silence Celebrant Merciful God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus 5 Christ; let your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacon Let us commit ourselves to our God, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that, with all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to God alone, we may be accounted worthy to enter into the fullness of the joy of our Lord, and receive the crown of life in the day of resurrection. Silence Celebrant O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Devotion before the Cross A wooden cross may now be brought into the church and placed in the sight of the people. The following may be said three times, as the cross is being uncovered. Behold the Wood of the Cross, on which was hung the world’s Salvation. O come, let us adore him.

Hymn Musical Offering and Veneration of the Holy Cross During the Musical Offering and the Solemn Reproaches the People may come forward and pray at the foot of the cross.

The Solemn Reproaches Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

O my people, O my Church, What have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? 6 Testify against me. I led you forth from the land of Egypt, and delivered you by the waters of Baptism, but you have prepared a cross for your Saviour. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I led you through the desert forty years, and fed you with manna, I brought you through tribulation and penitence, and gave you my body, the bread of heaven, but you have prepared a cross for your Saviour. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

What more could I have done for you that I have not done? I planted you, my chosen and fairest vineyard, I made you the branches of my vine; but when I was thirsty, you gave me vinegar to drink, and pierced with a spear the side of your Saviour. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I went before you in a pillar of cloud, and you have led me to the judgment hall of Pilate. I scourged your enemies and brought you to a land of freedom, but you have scourged, mocked, and beaten me. I gave you the water of salvation from the rock, but you have given me gall and left me to thirst. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I gave you a royal scepter, and bestowed the keys to the kingdom, but you have given me a crown of thorns. I raised you on high with great power, but you have hanged me on the cross. Holy God, holy and mighty,

7 Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

My peace I gave, which the world cannot give, and washed your feet as a sign of my love, but you draw the sword to strike in my name, and seek high places in my kingdom. I offered you my body and blood, but you scatter and deny and abandon me. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I sent the Spirit of truth to guide you, and you close your hearts to the Counselor. I pray that all may be as one in the Father and me, but you continue to quarrel and divide. I call you to go and bring forth fruit, but you cast lots for my clothing. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I grafted you into the tree of my chosen Israel, and you turned on them with persecution and murder. I made you joint heirs with them of my covenants, but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters; I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. Holy God, holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

Celebrant and People together pray Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, 8 as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Concluding Prayer The service always concludes with the following prayer. No blessing or dismissal is added. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; peace and rest to the dead; to your holy Church unity and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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